Recently, Hindu issues came in the spotlight with Hindus across America protesting peacefully to cancel the showing of ‘Sita Sings the Blues’ in New York’s Starlight Pavilion and in the San Jose Museum of Art. To continue the Hinduism awareness drive, a Hinduism Summit (Hindu Dharmajagruti Sabha) will be held in Hindu Temple of Lake County in Greater Chicago on Saturday, 27th August 2011 (Shravan Krushna Trayodashi, Kaliyug year 5113,as per the Hindu calendar). This unique event will commence in a traditional Hindu way, with Vedic recitations, lighting of an auspicious oil lamp and blowing of a conch. The event is being organized by Hindu Temple of Lake County and Forum for Hindu Awakening.

The Hinduism Summit will feature insightful presentations by supporters of Hinduism from all walks of life, as they share their firsthand account about Hinduism or Hindu issues. Ms. Maya Jairam will speak on ‘Growing up in America and embracing Hindu spirituality’, Mrs. Kalpana Sharma on ‘Spiritual dimension underlying Hindu concepts and issues’, Dr. Richard Benkin on ‘Human rights violations against Bangladeshi Hindus’ and Mrs. Bhavna Shinde Hurley on ‘Understanding, living and preserving Hinduism’. The presentations will highlight Hinduism’s practical solutions like the Agnihotra sacrificial fire for modern day problems like nuclear fallouts and create awareness about the issues currently faced by the Hindu community. The exhibition of posters and books at the Hinduism Summit will showcase Hindu spirituality and the spiritual science that is unique to Hinduism. This would help dispel misconceptions surrounding concepts, such as Hinduism’s ritualistic worship protocols, deities, and spiritual class system.

The Hinduism Summit will provide ample opportunity to discuss questions on Hinduism and Hindu issues with the presenters. Recent Hinduism Summits have answered many a question from curious attendees. For example, ‘What does it mean to be Hindu; can someone not born in a Hindu family become a Hindu?’‘When I tried to reason with an artist depicting Hindu deities nude, she refused to take down the painting, citing ‘freedom of expression’; how to stop such denigration of our Deities?’‘Is there some significance to the substances offered in ritualistic worship or can we offer something as per our wish?’‘I prefer mental spiritual practices like chanting or meditation; do I have to perform ritualistic worship?’‘My child does not have proper vegetarian options in the school cafeteria; how can we change this?’‘What is the significance of the red dot worn by Hindu women?’‘I find it difficult to leave the non-vegetarian diet; can I still chant a mantra or visit a Hindu temple?’‘Why is Lord Ganesh worshipped first among all Hindu deities?’

The Hinduism Summit organizers welcome everyone interested in understanding, living or preserving Hinduism to this free event.